Welcome! I've opened up the thread for viewing now that I have a reasonable amount of content posted. This is still a construction site, so there is MUCH more to come, and a lot of the information is lacking, but some pretty nifty images are here so ENJOY!

We're still building, HONEST!
As you may or may not have noticed, The Archive Project has been taking a somewhat lengthened break from building.
This is just temporary, we have every intention of getting this beasty in ship shape and working order so that everyone can use it and we can have our launch party!
The reason for the break is that I've had to knuckle down and get me degree done (Bachlor Computer Graphic Design - Wanganui School of Design, NZ). I'll post up some pictures at some point to show you just waht has been eating up my time and life force for the last few months.
Even though I am done with my degree project, and my graduation is only a few weeks away, the break from the project may last a bit longer while I move, attempt to find a job and a place to live, but it should all be back to business in Jan-Feb I hope!
Just remember...Submit your images to : The Archive's Image Collection Thread!

Welcome to The Archive: Gaia's newest library, where we aim to provide Gaians of all ages with all the images from Gaia's past and present that they could need, as well as promote discussion of Gaia's history. So please, feel free to browse through our material, take a seat and learn a little about Gaia's marvellous history!

Gaia has been my home on the Internet on and off for over seven years, and counting. It's had its ups and its downs, and it's grown up with a lot of us. The layouts have changed, the characters have changed, and the people have changed, but Gaia would be nothing without all of it!

On 14th March 2008, while browsing the GCD, I ventured into an NPC fan thread just to have a look. As I scrolled down I came across some memorable pictures of Gino, and smiled as I do when I find images from Gaia's past, and the thought hit me, rather softly, but there was contact. So I scurried off and made a thread entitled: "An Image Archive for Gaia. Is there one? Would you like one?"
The response was outstanding.
A few people said there had been some on Gaia related websites, but no one knew of one within the Gaia forums.
My mission was set.
To create an archive of all the images from Gaia's past and present, that I could possibly get hold of, for reference and use by my fellow Gaians.

The Archive's central focus and goal is to collect together as much of Gaia's history into one place to create a resource for anyone to use.
Secondarily is to form a community of Gaian's with the similar interest of how Gaia is and was, and those who wish to learn about their heritage.

2 November 20112003-2004 Event Images UP!
Though I've not been posting my updates, I've been slowly plodding along with large breaks in between.
I've spent the last two days sorting out all my images in the appropriate folders to make it easier to work with, and combining my collections from my laptop (Orion) to my desktop.
Today has been making new thumbnails for the events on 2003 and 2004 and getting them up and linked. I still need to work on the text for these areas, but this should be most of, if not all of my images so far from these first two years!

23 November 2008o0o
Kind of came to a grinding hult there didn't it?
Sorry, I had to drop the project for a short time to complete my degree, but don't worry, it's not being discontinued, not by a long shot! I just need time to move, get a job and get a place to live.
Enevrything should resume in Jan-Feb '09 =w=

14 May 2008Construction Begins!
The construction on The Archive has begin!
We've created the threads Mule, Cam, Resourse Librarian, and we're steadily working our way through the posts and content.
Applications are open for staff members, as well as submissions of images to add to the collection. Send all images to either Smeagi or this account (thread mule)

Once things are set up and we get enough traffic through, we'll be holding a naming contest for the theads mule (currently called TheResourceLibrarian) with either pure or an item prize. Be sure to enter once that's announced!

The Archive can't function without the support and image donations from you, its visitors. The success of our mission to compile a collection of images for all of Gaia depends on the contribution of all Gaians!

So hunt through your PCs, Macs, laptops, hardrives, CDs and drag out all those images from Gaia's past and send them in, it doesn't matter what it is! It's our job to sort through your junk to find the gems so throw everything and anything at us!

Hunt 'em Down!Below is a list of specific items we're looking for:
> Old NPC images
> Old store fronts
> Past Layouts
> Banners from any of the old item guides like GEN, SIN, NEXT etc...
> Screencaps or saves from any events
> Memorabilia from events such as 'polaroids' (user made)
> NPC information and missing avatars/profiles

Hiring!We also need some Gaia Historians for our Event History and general accuracy!
So if you have a good memory of an or all events we'de love to have you!
I've been through most of them myself, but my memory is quite shocking =w=''''
If you're interested let us know!
For more information see the Front Counter [Post 6]

To submit, either post in the thread, or if you wish PM them to either Smeagi or TheResourceLibrarian.
Not everyones images will be used, and any double ups, the first or best quality submission will be used
Everyone who contributes will be listed in the thread.

If you are able to host your submitted images on your own Photobucket or other image host then that would be greatly appreciated. Don't worry if you cannot, the thread has an dedicated Photobucket account we use, but any hosting you can provide would be great!

To make things easier we've made three forms for you to use when submitting images.
You don't have to use them, but this is basically the info we'd like to see with all submissions
Official Images (saves and screencaps)

[color=teal][b]Your image (either image or URL)[/b]:
[b]When is it from (specific date if possible)[/b]:
[b]Is the image yours or from somewhere else (specify)[/b]:
[b]Can you host it for us or would you like us to[/b]:
[b]Any other information you'd like to provide[/b]: [/color]

Edits (Edits on Official images such as NPCs etc)

[color=teal][b]Your image (either image or URL)[/b]:
[b]When is it from (specific date if possible)[/b]:
[b]Is the Edit yours or someone else's (specify)[/b]:
[b]Can you host it for us or would you like us to[/b]:
[b]Any other information you'd like to provide[/b]: [/color]

Fanart (any fanart)

[color=teal][b]Your image (either image or URL)[/b]:
[b]When is it from (specific date if possible)[/b]:
[b]Is the art yours or someone else's (specify)[/b]:
[b]Can you host it for us or would you like us to[/b]:
[b]Any other information you'd like to provide[/b]: [/color]

Retro Gears (anything else from the past, user made or official whatever you like. if you don't know where it goes, it goes here.)

[color=teal][b]Your image (either image or URL)[/b]:
[b]When is it from (specific date if possible)[/b]:
[b]Is it yours or someone else's (specify)[/b]:
[b]Can you host it for us or would you like us to[/b]:
[b]Any other information you'd like to provide[/b]: [/color]

As a final note, large files will be exported into smaller quality jpgs by the staff to allow quicker loading, please don't do this yourself! Please send the highest quality you can.

Please respect your other visitors and keep the library an enjoyable place

Keep on topic!
Can't stress it enough, we (the staff) have to keep to the sub-forums rules, and so do you. So keep discussions on topic to conversation about Gaia's history, past events, old glitches, current changes, imagery discussion, Gaia styles etc...
We love conversation and a social environment, just as long as it's an on topic one <3

When submitting images, please include the source
Just so we can keep track of where images come from, please tell us if the image was saves/screencapped by you, or if not, where you got it from. If you don't know thats fine, no biggie, but if you can tell us thats great.

Be Respectful
Generally be a pleasant person to be around. We don't mind swearing to a degree, I'm pron to it myself, but avoid being downright abusive to people.

No sechxy time in the library!
Goes without saying but don't cyber xD

Not a Roleplaying thread
A bit of role play is fun, it keeps things lively, but we are not a roleplaying thread. So keep this to a minimum. Unless of course you can discuss on topic while roleplaying, that would be interesting to see.

Leave Quietly
We hope we will never have to ask anyone to leave for disrupting the thread or breaking rules, but if we do, please take it gracefully.

No Begging
We are not a charity.
If you ask for gold or items we'll punch you in the ovaries...regardless of gender.

Don't Directly link Images!
Please don't directly link the images in this archive!
We have a dedicated Photobucket account for all the images, but if people direct link our images it may fail and then the entire archive will fail, so please save the images and host them yourself!
Rules Pending
We'll add to these rules as we see fitting.

StaffThese are the staff members here. They will happily help you with any questions you may have regarding The Archive, history, or most anything else...they will however punch you if you ask for items or gold <3
Please only PM them if you don't get a reply in the thread.
Head Librarian & Archiver
Smeagi (Founder)

Junior Library StaffSupervisor
Job Description:
> A relative level of authority in the thread
> Supervision of Conversation (make sure people are keeping to the rules and topic)
> Junior librarians may not ask people to leave unless they are being out right rude and disruptive. Otherwise please contact Smeagi about minor disruptions.Official Collector
> Collectors are official image hunters. Their job is to scour Gaia for images for the collection.
> A relative level of authority in the threadGaia Historian
> Provide historical accounts and summaries of past events in Gaia history, either official or just notable and memorable.
> Assist in the writing of thread information.
> A relative level of authority in the thread

If you would like to apply for a librarian position quite simply fill in the form below.
I (Smeagi) will consider all applications personally
As of this time we are only accepting Junior Librarians. Seniors positions are assigned by Smeag.

[color=teal][size=18]Junior Librarian Position Application[/size]
[b]What position are you applying for[/b] (Supervisor/Collector):
[b]Name (Gaia)[/b]:
[b]Gaian Birthday (Joining date)[/b]:
[b]How often are you on Gaia[/b]:
[b]Other obligations (Gaia and rl)[/b]:
[b]Image of the Avatar you wish to appear on your Staff Card[/b]:
[b]Why would you like to become a librarian?[/b]:
[b]Any other information[/b]:[/color]

Library Members
Even though you don't need to be a member of The Archive or have a Library Card to use any of the images supplied here, who doesn't love Library cards?

The Library Membership is an optional membership to The Archive that provides you with a personalized Archive Library Card (new designs for each year).
It costs 200 gold to become a member ( "Wait you have to pay??!!!?" ) and that gold goes towards contests and other funds for The Archive.

So what do I get for being a member?
> A nifty personalized membership card
> Your name on the membership list
> Access to contests in The Archive
> Being part of a friendly family

So how do I apply?
Just fill in the form below, post it in the thread and send a trade of 200g to either Smeag or TheResourceLibrarian with the number of the page your application is on in the trade title.

[color=teal][size=18]Library Membership Application[/size]
[b]Name (Gaia)[/b]:
[b]Gaia Birthday (Joining date)[/b]:
[b]Image of the Avatar you wish to appear on your Library Card[/b]:
[b]How you heard about / found The Archive[/b]:[/color]

The NPCs (Non-Player Characters) are arguably Gaia's life blood, we can't help but follow their ridiculous lives and dramas, it's like a bad soap-opera...and we love it!

But they weren't always the characters we know and love now, they came from humble beginnings as simple shop attendants (which really they still are now, but with more pajshajsh (pizazz...but better)!
So here is a collection of images of the NPCs throughout Gaia's history.

Gaia has as long history of events. Each year the staff and Gaians alike come together to celebrate Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and many in between.
This section is a collection of memorabilia from these events, both official and user made, such as plotline edits and screencaps.

So lets start at the beginning shall we.The first year or two don't have any images, why? Because it was sooooooooo long ago that they are hard to find, but if you have any, contribute them and I, Cam, will love you forever.

2003
Ah, 2003, the start of the start, the creation of Gaia!Thank you to Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline for allowing us to use their information for 2003 <3

First Annual Ball
The first notable event was the First Annual Ball.
A Gaian-run event hosted by Misao. As an unplanned surprise at the end of event, the Gaia staff gave out gifts to everyone..
The items the staff surprised the users with were:Black Bow Tie (For Guys)Red Rose Corsage (For The Ladies)

Easter!
This was the first staff run event on Gaia.
And this was the Easter Bunny >w<
The items released were:Bunny Slippers Chicky Slippers

Halloween
The staff really went all out for Halloween this year, so much so the servers crashed under the pressure, but it seems everyone enjoyed themselves none the less.
This was the first candy (or anything) gathering event activity. Gaians went from store to store on the map and recieved candy from NPCs (which were only Sasha, Ian and Ruby/Peyo at this time). Candy was then taken to 'Jack' who exchanged them for a black bag containing an item depending on the combination of flavors.
And here are the items...sooooo many oxO: Brown Paper Bag | Monster Brown Paper Bag | -_- Brown Paper Bag | :] Brown Paper Bag | :B Brown Paper Bag | >.< Brown Paper Bag | O_O Brown Paper Bag | ^_^ Brown Paper Bag | : ) Brown Paper Bag | : P Brown Paper Bag | :3 Brown Paper Bag | XD Brown Paper Bag | Brown Paper Bag With Holes

As well as this the staff created a special layout especially for the event.

The homepage was decked in black and orange, and the towns were decorated in ornaments and ghosts! Not to mention our favorite shopkeepers, who all decided to dress up with the members. The layout was removed after Halloween, but it was awesome while it was around!
- Mizuiro in the Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline thread

The third addition to the 03 Halloween event was a dedicated forum.
Sadly this, along with many, if not all, older thread were lost during the server/forum change in later years.

Christmas
Ah, Gaia's first Christmas. How I wish I'd been there to see it, alas, two and a half months late on my part.

Jolly Slippers Attack..
For Christmas the Donation Tree was added in the center of Barton town. The point of it was to give a giftwrapped item to the needy, and in return you'd recieve a box of jolly slippers. The slippers were indeed cute, until some lucky users recieved fairy wings and other wonderful items from the tree.. and all hell broke loose. Users began to get greedy and continuously give items to the tree in order to recieve a lovely gift like those other lucky users, but instead were given many boxes of jolly slippers. Many users had continued to give and give until they realized, at last, that they were not going to get anything fabulous.. and wound up having tons of those slippers instead. Since there were so many members that had continued to donate in order to find some fairy wings (or something else almost as good) there ended up being thousands of jolly slippers flooding Gaia. The selfishness of many users brought pain to many others.. and we are still left drowning in those slippers.
- Mizuiro in the Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline thread

Oh 03...
So that was 2003, the beginnings of Gaia as we know it.
So many more things happened that year, more than I could comment on having not seen it all myself, however if you are interested in learning more about 03, I suggest having a read of Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline in the Memorable Posts forum. The link is also in the Silent Reading Section two posts down.

What is this?
Well this section is my dedication to what makes Gaia Gaia. It's a collection of useful thread links, Smeagi's Top 5 loses to The Gamem, and quotes.
More or less its a sneak peak into the Gaia culture and what makes us who we are.

There are literally millions of threads on Gaia, but these are a few I think are worth rerferancing.

Memorable Threads
These are high profile threads that are considered part of Gaia's heritage. Most currently reside in the Memorable Threads Forum.
There are only a few so go have a browse through the forum yourself sometime, it's well worth it!
> how do you get giftrape? - How could we not? One of Gaia's oldest and most famous lols.
> Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline - A Timeline of Gaia's first year. The have kindly allowed us to use their material here. Cheers Guys. Anyone who wasn't around then or wants a good blast from the past should have a read.
> 1ST ANNUAL GAIA FORMAL BALL - Gaia's 1st Annual Ball, run by the users. Gawd I wish I could have taken part.

Resource Threads
These may not be popular threads, but I think they are worth a read.
> [FAQ] Gaia Plot: What's Been Going On - A great resourse for most things you'd want to know about past storyline updates. It hasn't been updates to include some of the latest storyline additions, but it's got the rest.
> DON'T PANIC:HHGGaia. [Old][New][Guild] - A lovely resourse for most all you need to know about Gaia and all Gaia related.